Gday and a personal note from me.

How was your self esteem growing up? Did you have high self worth and at least some pride in the way you looked. I know I did not. Despite the fact that I was 50 lbs less than I am now I felt fat, unworthy, ugly and just generally not the perfect girl I was “supposed” to be. This led to dieting, eating disorders, mental health challenges, abusive relationships and a lot of wasted time worrying about something that really didn’t exist or matter. Currently I am now not the ideal weight, but I don’t beat myself up about it, I just do the best with what I have right now and work towards a healthier lifestyle. It took me years to accept myself and a lot of therapy to sort out the damage that negative self talk had done to me throughout my life. It’s always still a struggle not to fall back into self hate and I sigh frequently when trying on clothes, but my weight is not the only thing that dictates how I feel about myself. I’m working on me constantly still, but it feels way better and I usually catch those doubts that rear their ugly head before they take over and sabotage my day.

There is much more awareness around now to stop negative talk towards and by our young boys and girls and a lot more support should things not be going so well. G Day is one of these events that would have helped me had I had the opportunity to participate. Hope you will spread the word out to those who can benefit. Hugs! Cassandra

ABOUT G Day

G day is a global social movement anchored by day-long events that emphasize self-esteem and leadership for girls ages 10-12. The first G Day was on April 28^th, 2014 and attended by 250 girls and 80 adult speakers, volunteers, and artists. Based on the enthusiastic response from girls, parents, and volunteers alike, the event returns on Sunday November 2^nd, 2014 at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road in Vancouver, B.C.

On November 2^nd, there will be a section of time for parents or guardians and family – including elder siblings, godparents, and other relatives – to participate actively in the event. “What’s new this time is the addition of programming for ‘Champions’ along with the girls for the final 90 minutes of the day. We’ll do some facilitated personal reflection, ceremonially welcome the girls, enjoy beautiful musical performances, and top it all off with a dessert reception,” says local social entrepreneur Madeleine Shaw, founder of G Day. 

G Day is a much needed response to the unsettling fact that nearly half of Canadian girls between the ages of 10 and 17 have avoided social activities like going to the beach, participating in physical activities, going to school, or giving an opinion because they feel badly about the way they look (Dove.ca). Said Ella from the April 28^th event, “G Day is really, really fun and awesome! I enjoyed learning about sisterhood and girl empowerment! It’s a day that you become inspired to be a better person and really take on leadership as a girl. I 100% recommend it and I know I want to go back next year…It was the highlight of my trip to Vancouver and a fun way for girls to get to know each other.”

Parents of G Day attendees were thrilled with the positive effects on their daughters. One parent remarked: “G Day inspired, empowered and delighted my daughter, and expanded her self-concept. Since she attended G Day, we’ve had a deeper connection and more open dialogue about growing up, the power of being your true self, and embracing change. I’d love to see G Day in every city so that every girl can be celebrated on her journey to womanhood and experience for herself how supportive and loving sisterhood can be.”

Speakers for the November 2^nd event include:

• Erin Treloar, Founder of RAW Beauty Talks, an organization helping women to find confidence in their true inner beauty.
• M., the world’s first mainstream, conscious mom rapper who decided in 2012 to be the change she wanted to see by creating amazing, radio worthy commercial rap music.
• Alex Mazerolle, creator of Girlvana Yoga, which inspires teenage girls to be fully expressed, heart-centred leaders by providing mentorship, empowerment and tools of deep love and respect for their uniqueness.

For information and tickets, visit www.gdayforgirls.com.